NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
LeBron James wants to stay in the present – he’s not yet focused on the future.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar enjoyed playing his 22nd All-Star Game Sunday night at the Intuit Dome for Team Stripes in the revamped format the league implemented this season.
The media was curious if this was not just his final All-Star Game, but rather his final NBA season, as the 41-year-old has yet to make a decision for the 2026-27 season.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Team USA Stripes forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after Game 2 during the 75th NBA All Star Game at the Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
But, as he has said in the past, James doesn’t yet know what he wants to do.
“I want to live,” he told reporters before playing. “When I know, you’ll know. I don’t know. I have no idea. I just want to live, that’s all.”
LEBRON JAMES ENDS HISTORIC 21-YEAR STREAK AFTER MISSING TOO MANY GAMES THIS SEASON
James was originally supposed to speak during Saturday’s availability, but he called his own news conference on Sunday, prompting some to speculate that he was going to make a decision regarding his future.
Instead, it was nothing of the sort.
James’ 22nd All-Star Game appearance is an NBA record that he continued on Sunday. While it stands to reason that he will be in the game every season, James remains a high-impact player for the Lakers.
This season, James played 36 games, averaging 22 points, 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game for the team occupying fifth place in the Western Conference.
Team USA Stripes forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on before the start of the 75th NBA All Star Game at the Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
James, however, ended his streak of consecutive appearances on the All-NBA team after 21 consecutive nominations after missing his 18th game this season. James will not qualify for the 65-game minimum required to be considered for league awards, per the collective bargaining agreement.
For the first time since 2004, James won’t be a part of either team.
James’ NBA legacy needs no explaining. He owns several all-time records, including the most points scored by a single player, which continues to increase with each game.
And while it appears he could at least play one more season, speculation will continue to flourish until James gives a definitive answer on his future. These speculations range from one more season with the Lakers to a retirement tour with the Cleveland Cavaliers – the hometown team with which he began his career and won an NBA championship.
Team USA Stripes forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball in game four against the Team Stars during the 75th NBA All Star Game at the Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Until a decision is made, James looks forward to helping his Lakers reach the playoffs to win another title in the City of Angels.
